The Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., has been selected to host the 2011 NBA Draft, scheduled for June 23, 2011, NBA Commissioner David Stern, Chairman and Managing Partner, Devils Arena Entertainment, Jeff Vanderbeek, and the Honorable Cory A. Booker, Mayor for the City of Newark, announced today at the Prudential Center before the New Jersey Nets’ home opener against the Detroit Pistons.

This marks the second time the NBA Draft is being held in New Jersey.

“We are delighted to bring one of the NBA’s premier events to Newark,” said Stern. “The Prudential Center is a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose arena that will be a great host for another exciting NBA Draft.”

“Hosting the draft is further affirmation of Prudential Center as a home for the NBA," said Vanderbeek.  "In fact, this season the Rock will host more basketball games at the NBA, WNBA and college levels than all but two other arenas, Madison Square Garden and STAPLES Center.”

Enes Kanter will remain at Kentucky for the 11-12 season if he is asked to serve a one-year suspension over amateurism issues he will not enter the 2011 NBA Draft and will play college basketball next season.

Dr. Mehmet Kanter, by e-mail, told Sporting News his family “can’t stop hoping” Enes’ eligibility to play for the Wildcats will be approved by the NCAA.

“Enes would do anything to play and help UK, his teammates and fans,” Mehmet Kanter wrote. “In the last two years, one thing me and Enes never discussed was him being pro. He didn’t mention to me about NBA or draft and I guarantee you as a father – if that’s the NCAA's decision Enes will be a sophomore next year in UK.”

Duke's Kyrie Irving could miss the rest of the season with a right toe injury suffered in the second half of Saturday's win against Butler.

Irving, an early candidate for freshman of the year, didn't break a bone but the injury involves ligaments.

"Kyrie's injury is a serious one," coach Mike Krzyzewski said after Duke beat Bradley on Wednesday night. "

Duke will not rush Irving back from injury, according to a source.

Irving is widely considered a future top-five NBA pick.

Team executives are expecting many top underclassmen to stay in school because of labor uncertainty in the NBA.

College coaches will be able to use that issue as a main reason for why top players shouldn't leave for the NBA.

?They?ll have the hammer,? one executive said. ?To lose a year of development at that stage of your career, that?s huge.?